Song of the Day: Goldmund – Evelyn

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Each and every Friday we offer songs by local artists. Today’s selection, featured on the Morning Show with John Richards, is “Evelyn” by Goldmund from their 2008 album The Malady Of Elegance on Type Records.

Goldmund is the alias of Portland-based ambient indie electronic artist Keith Kenniff (a.k.a. Helios and half of the shoegaze band Mint Julep). Goldmund was started by Kenniff in 2003 and the project is mainly solo piano, focusing on quiet dynamics and mostly short, minimal compositions. Goldmund’s music has been featured on programs for NPR, the BBC, and can be heard in a number of documentaries and films, including Harmony Korine’s film Mister Lonely and a trailer for the film Revolutionary Road. In 2010, he began the record label Unseen, which also has a great website with a neat collection of all his work in music, film, and TV. It’s truly beautiful music that seems especially suited for film.

Our featured song, “Evelyn,” is from Goldmund’s 2008 sophomore LP, The Malady of Elegance, a truly cinematic accompaniment that’s a testament to Ketih’s incredible talents as a composer. The song itself is a beautifully layered and moody piano piece that ebbs and flows, deftly switching from soft to loud, simple to complex, and entrancing the listener all at the same time. That seems to be the point with Goldmund’s music and the nearly 7 minute song is a perfect example of the slow paced music he’s known for. Need some good background mood music for a big project you’re working on? Need to transport yourself to another place just by closing your eyes? This is your guy. Stream The Malady Of Elegance album on Soundloudand you’ll see what we mean.

Kenniff has recorded six releases under the name Goldmund, including the most recent album Famous Places. Want to find out more about Keith and his other projects/releases? You have to take a look here. And here’s a song Kenniff recorded in response to the tragic earthquake in Japan:

I love to choreograph to his music…. Evelyn is a piece of music I am currently choreographing a dance to for a June concert at The John Carrol school in Baltimore.
I find his music takes me to so many places of honesty. My students find many emotions to iniciate movement.